Three individuals from Harare Tapiwa Tsingidzi, Fast Mutata, and Emmerson Makahamadze were found guilty of stealing cattle in Karoi and selling the meat in Harare.
The sentencing took place at the Karoi Magistrates’ Court, where the men faced serious charges of stock theft.
On August 29, the court was informed that Tsingidzi, Mutata, and Makahamadze, armed with knives, ropes, and empty sacks, broke into the complainant’s cattle pen around 9 p.m. The trio stole two cattle, which they then transported to a remote location, where they slaughtered the animals. The meat was subsequently sold in Harare.
The court’s verdict was harsh: each of the three men was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison. However, six months of this sentence were suspended on the condition that they pay $1,000 in restitution to the cattle owner.
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The total value of the stolen cattle was also assessed at $1,000. Unfortunately, none of the stolen property was recovered by authorities.
The case came to light when the accused were apprehended while attempting to commit a similar crime. Their arrest and subsequent conviction underscore the persistent issue of cattle theft and illegal meat trade in the region.
This incident not only reflects the challenges faced by farmers in securing their livestock but also highlights the need for heightened measures to combat agricultural crime and ensure justice for affected parties. Tapiwa Tsingidzi
